Minnesota State Park Naturalists to Host Maple Syruping Programs This Spring
Published: February 27, 2026.
MINNESOTA - As winter slowly gives way to spring this weekend, Minnesota’s maple trees are beginning one of nature’s sweetest transformations.
March in Minnesota brings longer days and a higher sun angle, signaling plants to prepare for the end of dormancy. When daytime temperatures climb into the 30s and 40s, and overnight lows dip below freezing, conditions become ideal for maple sap to flow, marking the start of maple syrup season.
To celebrate this annual tradition, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering maple syruping programs at several state parks across Minnesota in March and April. These hands-on events will introduce participants to the history, science, and process of turning sap into syrup.
What Participants Will Learn
During the programs, visitors will learn:
How to identify maple trees suitable for tapping
The tools and equipment used to collect sap
How to properly tap a tree
The boiling process is required to transform sap into syrup
When sap reaches the right sugar content to be served
Naturalists will guide attendees through each step, providing both educational insight and practical demonstrations.
Program Locations & Dates
Fort Snelling State Park
Dates: March 1, 14, 15, 29
Pre-registration is required.
Registration deadline: 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026
More information and registration:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/event.html?id=85132
Lake Bemidji State Park
Date: March 14, 15
More information and registration:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/event.html?id=85029
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Dates: March 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
Registration required.
Deadline: Friday, March 6 at 3 p.m.
Contact Andy at 507-384-6145 or andrew.wendt@state.mn.us to register.
More information and registration:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/maple_syruping.html
Whitewater State Park
Dates: March 7, 14, 21, 28
Reservations required; space is limited.
Call 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us to sign up.
Wild River State Park
Dates: March 21, April 4, April 11
Some programs require advanced registration due to limited space.
For the full schedule and additional details, visit:
mndnr.gov/maplesyrup
or
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/maple_syruping.html
Cost & Park Permits
Maple syruping programs at Minnesota state parks are free to attend. However, a valid state park vehicle permit is required for park entry:
$7 for a one-day permit
$35 for a year-round permit
Permits can be purchased online at mndnr.gov/permit or at park ranger stations during open hours.
A Sweet Way to Welcome Spring
Maple syruping is a long-standing Minnesota tradition that connects people to seasonal changes in the natural world. These programs offer families, outdoor enthusiasts, and curious beginners a chance to experience firsthand how a simple tree sap becomes a breakfast staple.
With the sap beginning to flow and spring just around the corner, the DNR’s maple syruping events provide a timely and educational way to step outside and enjoy one of Minnesota’s sweetest signs of the season.
Written by: Will Wight
Photos provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
